Case 1: The Patient Was Admitted 2 Days Ago With A Diagnosis

Case 1 The Patient Was Admitted 2 Days Ago With A Diagnosis Of Cance

Case #1 involves a patient recently diagnosed with cancer who is contemplating radiation and chemotherapy. The nurse is engaging the patient to assess her emotional state and understanding, providing support and guiding her toward informed decision-making. Similarly, Case #2 features an elderly patient showing signs of emotional distress and disengagement, prompting the nurse to initiate therapeutic communication. These scenarios highlight the importance of therapeutic communication skills in nursing practice, particularly in addressing patients’ emotional needs, fostering trust, and supporting informed decisions.

Paper For Above instruction

Effective communication is a cornerstone of nursing practice, especially when dealing with patients facing serious health diagnoses such as cancer or end-of-life issues. The nurse’s role extends beyond providing medical care; it involves emotional support, patient education, and facilitating patients’ understanding and coping. In the first case, the patient exhibits uncertainty and fear regarding her treatment options. The nurse’s responses can significantly influence her emotional well-being and decision-making process.

One possible response the nurse could give is to validate the patient’s feelings and provide reassurance. For example, the nurse might say, “It’s completely normal to have concerns and uncertainties about such significant treatments. I’m here to support you, and we can explore your questions together.” According to McCabe (2016), validating patients’ emotions fosters trust and allows patients to feel heard and supported, which can improve their willingness to engage in their care.

Another appropriate response is to facilitate patient education while respecting her autonomy. The nurse could suggest, “Would you like me to arrange for Dr. Jones to talk with you about your concerns? Understanding your options may help you feel more comfortable with the decisions ahead.” This approach aligns with the principles of patient-centered care, emphasizing informed consent and shared decision-making (Berman et al., 2016).

Additionally, the nurse might employ active listening techniques, such as reflecting, to demonstrate empathy. For instance, “It sounds like you’re feeling a bit more at ease today, but still have some questions. What specific worries do you have about the treatment?” Such responses can help to identify underlying fears and provide targeted support (Potter & Perry, 2017).

Similarly, in the second case involving an elderly patient reluctant to communicate, the nurse’s responses should aim to build rapport and provide a safe space for expression. The nurse could start with open-ended questions like, “Can you tell me how you’re feeling today?” or “Would you like to talk about what’s on your mind?” Such questions invite dialogue and demonstrate genuine interest (Henneman et al., 2018).

When the patient responds with feelings of despair, as in the statement, “I don’t have much time left,” the nurse’s responses should be compassionate and validating. For example, “It sounds like you’re feeling overwhelmed and perhaps some sadness about your situation. I’m here to listen and support you in any way I can.” This response acknowledges the patient’s feelings without minimizing them, fostering trust and providing emotional comfort (Arnold & Boggs, 2019).

Furthermore, the nurse could explore the patient’s needs and concerns with gentle questions such as, “Would you like to share what’s bothering you most right now?” or “Is there anything that would make you feel more comfortable or cared for today?” Such approaches can encourage the patient to open up and feel understood, which is crucial in end-of-life or palliative care settings (Kozier et al., 2018).

In summary, effective therapeutic communication involves validating feelings, active listening, providing information, and demonstrating empathy. These strategies help in building rapport, alleviating anxiety, and promoting emotional wellbeing. Nurses must tailor their responses to each individual’s emotional state and readiness to engage, always respecting their autonomy and dignity.

References

• Arnold, E. C., & Boggs, K. U. (2019). Interpersonal Relationships: Professional Communication Skills for Nurses. Elsevier.
• Berman, A., Snyder, S., & Frandsen, G. (2016). Essentials of Nursing Leadership & Management. Pearson.
• Henneman, E. A., Lee, P., & Cohen, J. (2018). Collabora-tive communication for patient safety. Journal of Nursing Care Quality, 33(3), 247–253.
• Kozier, B., Erb, G., Berman, A., & Poslusny, N. (2018). Fundamentals of Nursing. Pearson Education.
• McCabe, S. (2016). Communication Skills in Nursing. Elsevier.
• Potter, P. A., & Perry, A. G. (2017). Fundamentals of Nursing. Elsevier.
• Smith, M., & Parker, M. E. (2020). Promoting patient-centered care: A guide for nurses. Springer Publishing.
• Thomas, E. J., & Sexton, J. B. (2006). Patient safety in American hospitals: Where are we now? The Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety, 32(10), 593–600.
• Yeo, M., & Scott, L. (2019). Healing communication: Strategies for nurses. Nursing Standard, 33(15), 53–60.
• Zolnierek, K., & DiMatteo, M. R. (2009). Physician communication and patient adherence to treatment: A meta-analysis. Medical Care, 47(8), 826–834.